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Self-help doesn’t work – self-acceptance is key to fulfillment

Whether it’s something as private and simple as signing the Declaration, as silly as intentionally wearing a mismatched pair of socks, or as public as wearing a ‘Freedom from Self-Improvement Day’ t-shirt, I want to give people a taste of freedom from the constant litany of ‘shoulds,’ ‘don’ts,’ and ‘musts’ that fill our brains

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Self-improvement is a one-way ticket to misery, says bestselling author Jennifer Louden. Instead, the path to happiness and fulfillment starts with acceptance of who and where you are. As a result, Louden is announcing the first annual “Freedom from Self-Improvement Day,” this May 15, 2007.

“Beating ourselves up because our thighs aren’t thin enough, or because we still haven’t perfected the art of ‘positive thinking’ hasn’t made us happier or the world a better place,” says Louden, the author of six books including ''The Woman’s Comfort Book'' and her recently released ''The Life Organizer: A Woman’s Guide to a Mindful Year.'' “Inner peace through endless self-improvement only serves to make us endlessly dissatisfied and disappointed. The biggest paradox in trying to change ourselves is that nothing happens until we embrace who and how we are right now, imperfections, perceived flaws and all.”

The day will include a number of resources to encourage self-acceptance, ban self-improvement, and have fun while doing it, including a “Declaration of Independence from Self-Improvement,” audio downloads contributed by a host of best-selling authors and spiritual teachers, and suggested activities for celebrating our beautiful, imperfect selves. “Whether it’s something as private and simple as signing the Declaration, as silly as intentionally wearing a mismatched pair of socks, or as public as wearing a ‘Freedom from Self-Improvement Day’ t-shirt, I want to give people a taste of freedom from the constant litany of ‘shoulds,’ ‘don’ts,’ and ‘musts’ that fill our brains,” says Louden.

Louden is hoping that the grassroots effort will spread and take on a life of its own, resulting in a worldwide trend towards self-acceptance rather than self-deprecation and constant pushing to do more, better and faster. “The number of people suffering from depression, anxiety, and general dissatisfaction with life is at an all-time high,” she says. “The answer is not more self-punishment, but a gentler, more compassionate approach, starting with ourselves. True change is a result of self-love, not self-hatred.”

For more information on Freedom from Self-Improvement Day, including interviews, articles, and FAQ sheets, or for partnership opportunities, please contact Jennifer Louden or visit the website at http://www.freedomfromselfimprovement.com.